Ann Kelly

Ann Elise Kelly, age 74, passed away Friday, August 8, 2014. A Fourth of July baby, she was born in New York City, New York in 1940 to Leo and Margaret (LeFevre) Kelly. She attended St. Jeans Grade School, Muskegon Catholic Central, Muskegon Community College, then continued on to receive her Bachelors Degree at Western Michigan University and Masters in Library Science from the University of Michigan. Her desire to live in "The Big City", brought her back to New York, where her librarian career began at the age of 23. Being adventurous and given the opportunity, she and her good friend, Marilyn, moved to London where she lived for 8 years and worked at the Hounslow Library. She met some wonderful life-time friends. She moved back to Muskegon in 1974 and was the librarian for the Library of the Blind and Handicapped. A few years later she took a job as Reference Librarian at Hackley Library where she retired in 2000. Her life has been very colorful. She traveled extensively with friends while living in London. She was an avid reader of the New York Times and loved the challenge of the paper's crossword puzzles. The Detroit Tigers was her team! She may have nodded off while watching but knew she could watch it again at 1:00 AM. In Poker, she never learned, "Know when to hold-em, know when to fold-em" because every hand was a winner! Video Poker was her favorite game at the Blue Chip Casino. She has loved the beauty of Lake Michigan since childhood where many family gatherings took place. Her kindness, caring, generous, down-to-earth nature was an example for all. Everyone who knew Ann admired her positive outlook. Life will not be the same without her. The family would like to give many thanks to all who gave her encouragement and kindness through the years. She had great admiration for Carol Nielson, leader of her Cancer Support Group, whose guidance she valued as well as her friends in the group from whom she received strength. She appreciated all who touched her life at The Sanctuary of the Oaks. She enjoyed her Monday gatherings with her friends at Barnes and Noble. Her journey in these past few months was enhanced by the friendship and spiritual encouragement of Gisela Barnes. SURVIVORS Annie is survived by her loving brothers and sisters, Dave (Rae) of NJ, Phil (Chris) of Muskegon, Patty MacAskill of Chicago, Maggie "Peg" of Spring Lake, Charlie and Kevin of Muskegon, Louise (Scott) McClure of Allegan, Rick of FL. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends, Marilyn and Pete Douglas. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Jeanne and Kathleen, brother Brian, brother-in-law John MacAskill, nephew Daniel Kelly and a special friend June Zillman. SERVICE A Mass and Luncheon will be announced at a later date. MEMORIAL: Contributions can be made to the Muskegon Rescue Mission.